David Crockett Fireman's Fair at Mel Ott Park is July 13 and 14

Here’s a way to have a family fun weekend and help Gretna firefigters at the same time: The David Crockett Fireman’s Fair at Mel Ott Park will be July 13 and 14 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and will offer free admission and live entertainment. There will be a food court, craft booths, kids’ safety fair and carnival rides.

View Larger MapOn July 13, Aaron Foret Band will perform from 2-5 p.m. and Road House Band from 7-9 p.m. On July 14, August Rush Band will perform from 2-5 p.m. and Mrz. Crowley rock band from 7-9 p.m. For more fair information, call 504.415.9687.

Praise Explosion

The Rev. T. A. Hodge, pastor, and Regular Baptist Church will host their 2013 Praise Explosion at its 901 5th St. church campus. Classes will be held on July 10, 11 and 12 at 9, 10 and 11 a.m., featuring various instructors. On July 10 and 11, praise services begin at 7 p.m. On July 12, at 6:45 p.m., an original play, “What Would Grandma Do,” will be offered with a concert to follow, featuring recording artist Minister Myron Williams. Many prominent guest speakers will be present throughout the event. The Explosion will end with a culmination praise service on July 13 at 10 a.m.

All praise services, the play and concerts are free to the public; classes have a registration fee of $15 for adults and $5 for children. For more information, go to rbc@regularbc.org or call 504.366.9110.

Westside Missionary Baptist Association

The Rev. T. A. Hodge, pastor, and Regular Baptist Church will host their 2013 Praise Explosion at its 901 5th St. church campus July 10-13. Classes and praise rervices will be offered, as well as an original play and concert. For more information, call 504.366.9110.

The Westside Missionary Baptist Association, which was founded in 1932, recently elected new officers. An inaugural ceremony is scheduled for July 14 at 6 p.m. at Regular Baptist Church in Gretna. C.S. Gordon Jr., pastor of New Zion Baptist Church and president of the Louisiana Missionary Baptist State Convention, will preach the inaugural sermon. The inauguration is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Westside has 30 member churches that span both Jefferson and Orleans parishes, and is an affiliate of the Louisiana Missionary Baptist State Convention and the largest African-American religious organization in the country, the National Baptist Convention, USA.

For more information, Grant can be reached at 504.259.2740 or tooringrant@bellsouth.net.

Gretna Community Association

At a recent Gretna Community Association going-away party, Mayor Ronnie C. Harris was presented with a plaque commemorating his 28 years of service by President Susan Breaux, right, while Vice President Mary Fay Legnon, left, and Recording Secretary Tiffany Roche watch.

Gretna Community Association had a going-away party for outgoing Mayor Ronnie C. Harris. President Susan Breaux presented him with a plaque in appreciation for his service to the citizens of Gretna and to say thank you from the association for his longtime support.

Sassy Seniors

Sassy Seniors Team Captain Yvonne Baldares said the team performed for the New Orleans Ballet Association’ 20th Anniversary Spring Concert, held at Dixon Hall on Tulane University’s campus. Aline Neves de Souza is the group’s teacher. Call Balderas at 504.610.6229 if you are interested in dancing with the group.

Today’s Tidbit

All children from age 3 through sixth grade are invited to a free, four-day vacation Bible school called Colossal Coaster World at First Baptist Church Gretna, 100 Gretna Blvd. on July 23-26 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Pre-registration will be July 22 from 6-8 p.m., or register on July 23 at 5 p.m. For more information, call 504.367.6380 or email fbcgretna@gmail.com.

Helen Williams is a Gretna resident who writes about people and events of community interest. She can be reached at 504.367.8481 or email her at gretnaglance@cox.com.